June 13, 2006

Australian exports to Taiwan, China and Hong Kong remain steady

Australian beef exports to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan increased two percent in the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2005, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

MLA said this is a strong showing considering that both Taiwan and Hong Kong have re-opened their markets to US beef.

Australian beef exports to Taiwan reached 10,660 tonnes, up three percent from the same time last year. Exports of shin shank and intercostals remained strong, accounting for 73 percent (7,740 tonnes) of exports, compared with 59 percent (6,085 tonnes) in 2005.

MLA said that over the calendar year to May 2006, beef exports to China fell 20 percent compared with 2005, to 352 tonnes. However, chilled beef exports to the market increased 54 percent compared to 2005, to 128 tonnes.

Beef exports to Hong Kong fell five percent to 695 tonnes during the January-to-May 2006 period, with loin cuts, such as ribeye, striploin, and tenderloin accounting for 55 percent (382 tonnes) of total exports, compared with 60 percent (437 tonnes) in 2005.